Ammunition, whether for hunting, self-defense, or collecting, represents a significant investment. Proper long-term ammo storage is crucial to preserving its functionality and safety. Neglecting this can lead to corrosion, reduced performance, and even dangerous malfunctions. This comprehensive guide explores effective techniques for long-term ammo storage, ensuring your investment remains reliable for years to come.
Understanding the Enemies of Ammunition
Before diving into storage techniques, it's vital to understand what can damage your ammunition:
- Moisture: This is the biggest threat. Moisture leads to rust and corrosion on the casing and projectile, potentially causing misfires or jams.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat or cold can degrade the propellant, affecting the ammunition's performance and potentially making it dangerous.
- Air Exposure: Oxygen reacts with the metal components, leading to oxidation and degradation over time.
- Light: While not as significant as the other factors, prolonged exposure to UV light can also contribute to ammunition degradation.
Optimal Long-Term Ammo Storage Environment
The ideal storage environment minimizes the impact of these detrimental factors. Aim for these conditions:
- Cool, Dry Location: A consistent temperature between 50°F and 70°F (10°C and 21°C) and a relative humidity of 35-55% is best. A basement or climate-controlled storage area is ideal. Avoid attics or garages, prone to temperature swings and moisture.
- Dark: Store your ammunition away from direct sunlight or bright artificial light.
- Stable: Avoid locations subject to vibrations or shocks, as these can damage primers.
Ammo Storage Containers: The Right Choice Matters
The type of container you use is just as important as the environment. Here are some options:
- Plastic Ammo Cans: These are readily available, relatively inexpensive, and provide a decent level of protection against moisture. Look for airtight seals and consider using desiccant packs inside (more on these below).
- Metal Ammo Cans: These offer superior protection against moisture and physical damage. However, they are heavier and can be more expensive. Steel cans are a popular choice, but make sure they are powder-coated or otherwise protected against rust.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: These bags remove air, reducing oxidation and slowing down degradation. Combined with desiccants they're a potent combo. However, they may not offer protection against physical damage.
- Wooden Ammo Boxes: While aesthetically pleasing, wooden boxes offer less protection than metal or airtight plastic containers. They are susceptible to humidity changes and insect infestation.
The Importance of Desiccants
Desiccants are substances that absorb moisture from the air. They are crucial for maintaining a low humidity level inside your ammo storage container. Common options include:
- Silica Gel Packs: These small, porous packets are readily available and inexpensive. They come in indicator types that change color to show when they are saturated.
- Clay Desiccants: These are more effective and long-lasting than silica gel, but also more expensive. They can be regenerated by baking at low temperatures.
How to Use Desiccants: Include several packets per container depending on the size. Regularly check and replace or regenerate them as needed. The indicator silica gel packs make this easy.
Organizing Your Ammunition
Proper organization simplifies inventory and ensures easy access. Consider these approaches:
- Caliber-Specific Storage: Group ammunition by caliber, making it easy to locate specific rounds.
- Labeling: Clearly label each container with the caliber, quantity, and any other relevant information (e.g., bullet type, manufacturer).
- Inventory Management: Keep a detailed inventory of your ammunition, including purchase dates and quantities.
Case Study: A Long-Term Storage Success Story
A collector, who stored 1000 rounds of various calibers for 20 years using metal ammo cans, silica gel packs, and a cool, dry basement consistently reported near-perfect condition of ammunition after testing. The metal cans and the desiccant protected the rounds from humidity and oxygen, resulting in minimal degradation, ensuring rounds remained reliable.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Storing Ammunition in Direct Sunlight: UV radiation can damage the propellant and casing.
- Storing Ammunition in High-Humidity Areas: Moisture is the ammunition’s worst enemy.
- Neglecting to Use Desiccants: Maintaining low humidity is crucial.
- Not Regularly Inspecting Your Ammunition: Regularly check for any signs of corrosion or damage.
Conclusion: Long-Term Ammo Storage is an Investment in Safety and Reliability
Taking the time to implement these long-term ammo storage techniques is an investment in the safety and reliability of your ammunition. By creating a proper storage environment, selecting appropriate containers, and using desiccants, you can ensure that your ammunition remains functional and ready to use for many years to come. Remember, responsible storage is not just about preserving your investment; it’s about ensuring the safe and reliable performance of your ammunition when you need it most.